I know a man in his 50's who's name is Gideon. He's a college professor and very polite and professional. So I think of him first when I hear the name, rather than the Biblical character. But that's definitely a strong association, though these days fewer and fewer younger people know those stories.

Gideon! I love the Biblical namesake (not that I don't like the angel namesake but the human one is one to strive to live up to that could be reached if you know what I mean) Gideon is also much less common.

I'm torn here. Because while I never really lovedGideon, right now I'm going through a stage of really not liking Gabriel at all. So with them paired next to each other, I prefer Gideon. But the personality and feel of each name taken into consideration, I like Gabriel better (plus, I love the Biblical significance of Gabriel). I think it would depend on the combo it's in, too, for my final say. But here I've voted for Gideon.